Accident Overview
On May 3, 2011, at 1830 central daylight time, a Texas Helicopter Corporation model OH-13E/M74 helicopter, registration N38096, sustained substantial damage after colliding with terrain during takeoff near New Columbia, Illinois. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Hendrickson Flying Service Incorporated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The flight was conducted under day visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was not injured.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the helicopter was operating from an uncultivated area of the wheat field being sprayed. The aircraft had been refueled and loaded with fungicide immediately before the accident takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, while accelerating through translational lift, the helicopter encountered a momentary loss of lift consistent with a wind gust and settled into the wheat crop. The helicopter pitched down suddenly as the spray booms made contact with the crop, and subsequently collided with terrain. The helicopter came to rest on its right side about 75 yards from the takeoff position. The engine continued to run after impact and was subsequently turned off by the pilot using the magneto switch. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, and tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Information
The nearest aviation weather observation station with recorded historical data was Barkley Regional Airport (KPAH), approximately 19 nautical miles south of the accident site. The station was equipped with an automated surface observing system (ASOS). At 1853, the KPAH ASOS reported wind from 320 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 16 degrees Celsius, dew point 1 degree Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.22 inches of mercury.